Release 2.19q
2023 Level 4 changes and 2022 Announcing/ Alerting Rules

See David's 2023 summary of Level 4 2023 changes, see complete revised Blue Book.

Some changes in the EBU announcing/alerting September 2022. David drew up a summary of the 2022 changes for directors.

0 0 0 0 0 0
Pages viewed in 2024
..... see less
..... see more

Click for details

..... see less
..... see more
MEMBERS’ WELFARE

If you know of any member of the club who is unwell please let either Pat Martin or a member of the committee know so that appropriate wishes can be sent on behalf of all members.
The quickest response will be to tell either Pat Martin or any member of the committee at the bridge session then a card can be signed & posted immediately. Alternatively, you can email the secretary.

Announcements
Audrey Clarke
Audrey Clarke

The club was saddened to hear of the death of Audrey Clarke.  Audrey was a regular player at the club with Pauline Campbell until Pauline's death in 2014.  Audrey and Pauline often came to the American Suppers and the afternoon bridge sessions.  One of Audrey's other interests was dancing, besides taking part herself in various groups she also taught  children.  In particular she gave instruction for dancing round a maypole and, when getting a new car, top of the list of requirements for the car was that her maypole would fit in!

Pictured here are Pauline, Ann, Rose and Audrey when they came third in the SSCBA No Fear teams in June 2014

Beth Webb
Beth Webb

Beth Webb passed away on the evening of the 23rd of December 2023. She was a much-loved mum, grandmother, aunt, great aunt, wife and friend to so many people and will be sorely missed.

Her son wrote: ‘To everyone who knew mum you will remember what a lovely, kind and positive person she was. She had a wonderful and full life.’

Beth loved to join in with everything be it golf, Flower Club, WI and bridge!  Her husband had been a pilot with BOAC and they had lived in Japan, South Africa other places too.

Beth’s funeral, was held at Milwich Church, Tuesday 16th January 2024 followed by a “celebration of life” at her son Rod’s pub, ‘The Green Man, Milwich’.

Sad News

Many members will be aware that the health of Val, wife of our Club Captain Terry, has been causing deep concern. I am very sorry to give you now the sad news that Val died in hospital on 10th August. The Club's most heartfelt condolences are extended to Terry and his family at this time of great loss and grief.

Michael Metcalf
Chair, Stafford Bridge Club

Maureen Lowe
Maureen Lowe

The club is sad to hear Maureen Lowe died on Sunday 26th March.  Maureen was a regular player at the club, one of a group from Penkridge, who used to play at Stafford on Wednesday afternoons before Covid caused clubs to go into lock down.  Always cheerful & chatty Maureen was a popular member of the club, a pleasure to meet at the table.  In addition to playing bridge Maureen was a keen bowls player 

Anthea Dean
Anthea Dean

The club is very sorry to hear the news that Anthea Dean has died.  Anthea, a very popular player, will be very much missed at the club. She had been a member of the bridge club for many years playing regularly on Wednesday afternoons until late August.  Anthea also enjoyed the club away weekends and can be seen in many of David’s photographs on this website.  In the picture below from 2019 weekend at Crabwell Manor Anthea is seated at the front between Pat and Beryl.  When Janet Woodward was at the convent Anthea was among the group of players who went to play bridge at St Joseph's with Janet.

Our thoughts are with Anthea's family at this sad time.

Anthea's funeral was on Thursday 3rd November at Holy Trinity Church Baswich followed by a cremation at Stafford Crematorium

Anne Edwards
Anne Edwards

It is with sadness that the club has heard of the death of Anne Edwards on 10th August 2022. Anne played bridge at Stafford Bridge Club in the late 1990s and early 2000s, partnering Deirdre and Michael Seavers on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, until she left with her husband to rear sheep in Wales. She was always cheerful and friendly and very chatty. She enjoyed playing at Bridge Congresses and she and Deirdre played, for quite a few years after she left, at Llandudno and other venues. Pam Allen and her partner Jill (Rachel) sometimes joined Anne and Deirdre to make up a foursome. She continued to play bridge regularly in Wales. Her husband, John, said they had been married for 62 years and she suffered 2 small strokes last year which left her unable to play bridge. Her funeral was held in Wales.

Alan Ashmore
Alan Ashmore

It is with great sadness that club has heard of the death of Alan Ashmore on Tuesday 22nd March 2022.  Alan and his wife Rachael have been members of the club for many years playing several times a week before the club closed at the start of the pandemic.  Almost all members of the club will have met Alan and Rachael as they were regular players at the evening sessions, the club competitions, the American suppers and as you can see from David's picture the club Christmas parties.  Such a pleasure to meet Alan at the table, always encouraging for new recruits too.  Our thoughts are with Rachael (Gill) and their family at this sad time.

Alan's funeral is at 2-30pm on Monday, 11th April at Cannock Chase Crematorium, 5 Ways Island. Heath Hayes, WS12 3HR.  The family request no flowers please but donations may be made to Alzheimer's Research in memory of Alan. 

Margaret Dash
Margaret Dash

Margaret passed away on Sunday, 20th March 2022. Another stalwart within the club over many years. She had not enjoyed the best of health recently and had not been playing bridge for a few years. Margaret first started playing at Stafford in the early sixties and also played regularly at Newcastle and Stone Bridge Clubs .A very accomplished player, she enjoyed considerable success, not only at club level but also in county and National Congress events. Nationally one of her most notable achievements was as a member of the winning team in the Senior Congress Teams event in 2001. She also won many competitions at club and county level. She was the joint donor with late husband Hugo of the Dash Trophy in the 1970s,and the trophy is still annually competed for at Stafford Bridge Club.  From David's picture Margaret is seen here collecting the Ladies Pairs trophy from Leila with her partnerJanet at the 2010 dinner. 

 

Mel Cooper
Mel Cooper

12th November 2021. We are sad to announce the death of Mel Cooper who had, in the past, been a member playing at the Showground. In recent times he was a regular player in the Monday online games. Some current members will have known Mel as one of the organizers of the bridge clubs at Chasetown and at "The Bell" in Tong. He was very much respected as a competitor and really well-liked for his courtesy, helpfulness and sense of fair play. Mel was a good friend to so many of us. He will be greatly missed.

Janet Woodward
Janet Woodward

Members will be sad to hear that Janet Woodward died on December 17th.  Janet was a very popular and regular player at the club for many years eventually having to give up when her mobility problems made it difficult for her to get to the club.

Beryl writes - Janet was a lively and much loved member of the bridge club. When she moved into St Joseph's Nursing Home life was dull so I organized a monthly bridge afternoon with the help of the staff and club members.  We would play about a dozen hands and someone would bring festive biscuits to have with our cuppa.  Janet loved birds and plants and kept her windowsill well stocked.  I saw her only once fleetingly during lockdown through a glass garden door but we talked on the phone in the last week and I was due a visit the day she died.  COVID came very suddenly.  Farewell Janet.  God be with you.

Garry writes - When I started at the club Janet was looking for a new partner and took me under her wing and helped me enormously. We played together for a number of years but sadly her mobility deteorated. Initially she stopped driving and I started to pick her up each week and encouraged to keep playing as long as possible. Eventually her mobility got so bad that she moved into the Convent Home. I visited her in the home several times. I have not been able to visit since the outbreak of this wretched COVID. 

Our thoughts are with her children Mark and Elizabeth and their families at this time.

Ernie Houghton
Ernie Houghton

The club is very sad to hear the news that Ernie died on Monday 7th December.  Ernie was a very regular player at the club until the lockdown in March both at the afternoon sessions and the Friday evening session when he often was partnered by his wife, Sandra. Ernie was a regular attendee at Robin’s lessons, always eager to perfect his game and, since lockdown, a regular correspondent with Robin regarding the quizzes Robin set. Until very recently Ernie has been playing online almost daily with a number of club members. Ernie won several trophies including the Summer Cup (2015), the Bryan Baker (2014 & 2015) and  President's Cup (2016) and, playing with Sandra, the Bryan Baker trophy in 2019. Ernie and Sandra attended the SBC away week ends and went with other club members on Bridge holidays.  Ernie served on the committee a few years ago giving much helpful advice.

Sandra wishes to thank club members for the very many messages and cards that she has received from them.

Carys Catchpole
Carys Catchpole

We are very sorry to have to share with you the news that Carys Catchpole died on Thursday 26th November.   The Club's deepest condolences are extended to her husband Tex and their family, and to her many friends at Stafford Bridge Club and elsewhere.   Carys was a keen bridge player and a long-standing, popular member of our Club.  She will be greatly missed.

Tony Ashley
Tony Ashley

Members will be sad to hear that Tony Ashley died on Sunday 27th September.  Tony was one of the Penkridge group of Stafford players and kindly acted as chauffeur on occasion for the group. Leila has happy memories of Tony at the bridge table, one hand still fresh in her mind when they bid and made 7NT!

We sadly report the death of John Barratt on Monday 24th August aged 97, he was a member of the club from the 1970s until around 2000.  Together with Arthur Bloxham John arranged overseas bridge holidays.  Not only did John enjoy success at the bridge table but he was also very actively involved on the administration side for both Stafford Bridge Club and the Staffordshire and Shropshire County Bridge Association. He roles included Treasurer and county Membership Secretary for the Club and Chairman and Treasurer for the County. His long involvement with the Club and County was acknowledged by the English BrIdge Union in 2001 when he was awarded the prestigious Dimmie Fleming award for his service to bridge.

Gina Foster
Gina Foster

We are very sorry to inform members that Gina Foster passed away early on Sunday 21st June.    She was a good friend and companion to many of us, and she loved her bridge.  She will be greatly missed.

Gina's funeral will take place privately on 24th July at Stafford Crematorium.

Jeannie Tomkinson
Jeannie Tomkinson

It is with sadness that we have to announce the death of Jeannie Tomkinson. She had been in hospital for a few weeks and finally succumbed to Pneumonia on Friday 5th June.

Jeannie was a long time member of our Club who played mostly on Monday and Wednesday afternoons. Members will also remember her for her Westie dog “Teddy” who was a Crufts Champion.

 

At Jeannie’s request there will be no funeral but her coffin will be outside her house at 2 Felden Close, Parkside, ST16 1TX, at 1:50pm on 23rd June for 20 minutes for those wishing to pay their respects. A single flower can be placed on the Coffin if so wished and a Gin & Tonic will be provided to send her on her way.
 

Sheila Palmer
Sheila Palmer

The club was very sad to hear from Jim that Sheila died peacefully on Saturday 13th June. Sheila always had a cheerful smile and a kind word throughout her illness over the last few years.  Sheila played at the club until just before the official lock down, nearly always coming high enough to earn Master Points.  Sheila had been a regular afternoon player for many years partnering Bryan Purslow when he took on directing the afternoon sessions, they made an efficient team Bryan having the bridge scored before the players left (in the days before the tablets) and Sheila making sure that the tea break went smoothly with the washing up completed by the end of the session.  Thanks to them both the sessions were so popular, one time 12½ tables making for a packed room.  Jim and Sheila made regular trips to the away weekend and in recent years Jim had been able to play in afternoons with Sheila and they both attended Robin's classes too.  Sheila presented the prizes at the 2016 club dinner,  On her retirement from housekeeping duties at the club the club presented Jim and Sheila with a voucher for a trip to London to see The Last Tango in October 2016.  Sheila will be very much missed.

Sheila's Funeral is on Wednesday 24th June at 3.00pm and will be a quiet family gathering & service. However Jim has arrange for the service to be streamed and the details can be found at the bottom of the order of service, click here to see it.

Our thoughts are with Jim and the family at this sad time.
 

Pauline Goggin
Pauline Goggin

Members will be sorry to hear that Pauline Goggin died unexpectedly on May 29th.   Pauline had been a member of the club for many years. Pauline played regularly until about 18 months ago, latterly mainly on Wednesday afternoons partnering Z and, later, Sylvia H usually being near or at the top of the ranking list.  Pauline carried out many duties for the club being on the committee for several years, some of which as secretary.   Pauline also ran Friday night bridge sessions for 2 or 3 years.  Our thoughts are with Pauline's husband and family at this sad time.  Some of Pauline's family visited the club on Wednesday 5th June 2019 to meet her SBC bridge friends and see Pauline's name on the trophy boards.  Michael spoke a few words in memory of Pauline while the family were at the club.

Phil Topley

Phil Topley passed away on May 1st aged 94.  He will be remembered fondly by some of the longer standing members of the club.  Phil was one of the earlier grandmasters and won many competitions at both club and county level.  He was also very successful at national level.  Over the years he won most of the major national competitions.  He also represented England at national level.

His first major success was to be in the winning Gold Cup team in 1955.  The captain of the winning gold cup team in the previous 3 years was no other than Terence Reese, a prolific author who to this day is still regarded by many as the greatest ever British player.  An early testament to Phil's immense ability. He also won the Crockford's cup, another of the EBU's prestigious teams competitions.  The list goes on, national life masters, seniors  teams (won 4 times from 2000 to 2006).  He also won the Tollemache Cup, the inter county teams of 8; firstly in 1955, again in 1956, playing for the North West and then in 1976, being the only time Staffordshire has won the Tolly. Over the years Phil also played locally at Newcastle and Wolverhampton

Phil was very supportive of his partners who always appreciated his helpful advice.

Our thoughts at this time are with his wife Ann who was a regular player at Stafford during Phil's time at the club.

Phil's funeral will be on Thursday 23rd May,3 o’clock at Stafford Crematorium.

Joan Round
Joan Round

Wednesday afternoon players will be sorry to hear of the death of Joan Round who was a popular player at the club playing regularly until August 2018.  Joan, well into her nineties, always had a smile on her face, David's picture from the 2012 Christmas Party illustrates this well. Our sympathies go to her family at this sad time.

There is to be a thanksgiving service for Joan at Bramshall Church at 2.30 pm on Friday 26th April where all are welcome.
 

Cliff Tayar
Cliff Tayar

Cliff had been a member of SBC for many years, playing regularly with John Hartley, and was also an active member in many County EBU events. Cliff was a very good and caring bridge player who made the transition from high level chess playing to a similiar level in bridge. He played bridge regularly at Newcastle, Stone and Alsager besides previously at Stafford and Cannock. Cliff won a silver medal at the Mind Games Olyimpiad in Manchester in 2004. He was also instrumental in introducing the Stone bridge club to hosting a heat of the Kidney Sim pairs each year. SBC is much indebted to him for the many years he acted as auditor.  Our thoughts are with Cliff's wife, Pam, at this sad time.

Cliff's funeral service will be on Wednesday 20th Feb, 12:30 at Stafford Crematorium . If any member is intending to attend the funeral service please let John Hartley know.

Agnes Devoy
Agnes Devoy

Pat Martin writes: I am sad to inform you that my Bridge partner for many years up to 2014 – Agnes Devoy – died just over a week ago. I have spoken to her family since and they felt it would be nice if this information could be given to the Bridge Club via the Web.

Agnes and Pat won the Arthur Bloxham Trophy in 2012 for regular Wednesday afternoon players and are pictured here with their cup.

Her Funeral will take place on Friday 2nd November at St Austins Church Wolverhampton Road Stafford at 2pm and afterwards at Stafford Crematorium. Everyone is welcome to join the Family at Brocton Golf Club after the cremation.
 

Helen Jones
Helen Jones

Members will be very sad to hear that Helen Jones passed away on Wednesday 1st August.  Helen was a very popular Wednesday afternoon and Thursday evening player where she played regularly until very recently and will be much missed.  She always had a friendly smile and kind words at the table.  Helen took part in the Shelley teams competition for several years as a member of Sylvia Ullmer's team, indeed the team of Helen, Sylvia (captain), Rose, Dave and Peter won the competition in the 2016-17 season.  Helen was a keen golfer at Ingestre Park Golf Club, where she was Lady Captain in 2016, and knew a number of bridge club members on the golf course too. Ruth, Helen's regular Wednesday partner writes, a wonderful friend and bridge partner, great sense of humour and a lady in every respect.  Our thoughts are with Helen's family at this sad time.

Helen's funeral will be on Tuesday 21st August, 12.30pm Stafford crematorium and afterwards at Ingestre Park Golf club.

Doug Simmonds
Doug Simmonds

Members will be very sad to hear of Doug's death on 5th May 2018. For many years Doug ran the classes at the club until ill health forced him to retire. He was a wonderful teacher with that knack of getting all the lessons across to all the students so well, complicated concepts explained in an easy to follow manner. Doug was also a great bridge partner, never an unkind comment about his partner's play. A player in the County League and ran Friday evening bridge sessions at Stafford for many years. Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time. Doug’s funeral is on Thursday 31st May, firstly there will be a brief service at 1.30 pm at the crematorium, followed by a celebration service at Trinity Church, Eccleshall at 2.30 pm. The family say all are welcome to either service or both.

John Sheppee

Members will be sorry to learn that John passed away on Monday 23rd October. He had unfortunately been ill for some time.

John became a regular player at Stafford in the 80s, playing mainly on Tuesday or Thursday. He also started playing on Wednesday afternoons before moving to Northampton in early 2016. It was a joy to play with or against John as he was a true gentleman at the table. He enjoyed considerable success and regularly represented the County in the Midlands County teams of eight league.

When he moved from Stafford he joined Northampton BC and continued to have a successful game. His last six results at Northampton show four firsts, with over 60% plus scores. Unfortunately because of illness John had not played very much since the summer.

Our thoughts at this very sad time are with his wife Pat and four children.

John Seymour

It is with great sadness that Stafford Bridge Club heard that John Seymour died early on Sunday 16th July.  John joined Stafford Bridge Club in the 80's although more recently has been a regular player at Stone. John and his wife Anne played at Stafford in the handicapped Shelley Teams Competition, and, had the competition not been handicapped theirs would have been the winning team every year!  All Shelley players will remember John for his skill but also his kindness and encouragement to all at the table, a perfect gentleman.

John bravely fought his illness which was first diagnosed in February. Our thoughts are with Anne and family at this very sad time.

The funeral is on Wednesday 2nd August, 11:30 a.m. Stafford crematorium

Ghayur Zaidi

Members will be very sad to hear that Ghayur Zaidi died recently. Ghayur Zaidi, affectionately known to us as Z, was a very keen bridge player.  Z had played for a number of years at the club, at one time in regular partnership with Arthur Bloxham and, more recently, with Pauline Goggin.  Olive spent many a happy hour playing bridge on line with him. Many of the Monday /Wednesday players may be unaware of his passing and those of us who knew him were very fond of his him and his quiet demeanour. We shall miss him a great deal.

May 2015

Sad News
Sad News

Members will be very sad to hear that Barbara Cooke died on April 10th 2015. Barbara was a delightful lady who always had a smile and a twinkle in her eye. Barbara is seen here celebrating her 90th birthday in October 2009 with her friends at Stafford Bridge Club, where she had been a member for over 30 years.
When Basil, her husband, started teaching bridge at the club Barbara was invited to go along with him “to make the tea”. So Barbara began to acquire her interest in the game by “listening-in” during these sessions. She was a regular at the Tuesday evening bridge sessions and then later in 1999 when the Wednesday afternoon session was introduced she started there as well and had been playing regularly ever since until her unfortunate accident about a year ago. Barbara's funeral is to be at St  Austin's Church at 12:30 on Thursday 23rd April followed by a service at the Crematorium at 1:30.

Another regular Wednesday player, Ken Smith, has also just died on April 9th 2015.  Ken had not been a club member for so long as Barbara but had become a familiar face on a Wednesday afternoon after moving to the area a few years ago. Indeed Ken played only last Wednesday, 8th April, where he came 2nd with his regular partner, Sam Holden. Ken's funeral was on Friday, 17th April.  

Rosa Farmer died on Wednesday 15th April 2015 exactly one year after being diagnosed with cancer. Rosa started to play bridge 21 years ago following the death of her husband.  She and Joy became regular bridge partners at Stafford Bridge Club for 17 of those 21 years.  Rosa was a wonderful cook and together she and Joy organised the club Christmas party for 5 years in the late 1990s with Bryan directing the bridge.

The club's thoughts are with the families of Barbara, Ken and Rosa at this sad time.

Pauline Campbell
Pauline Campbell

Members will be very sad and shocked to hear that Pauline Campbell passed away at 8 am on Tuesday 17th June 2014.  Pauline had played at the club only on the previous Tuesday and again on Thursday 12th June in the County No Fear teams event where she came third.  Pauline was a regular player at the club for many years both in the afternoons and Tuesday evenings in addition to playing in the Shelley and the President's Cup on many occasions. 

Bryan Purslow
Bryan Purslow

Members will be shocked to hear of the sudden death on Monday 28th October 2013 of Bryan Purslow.  Bryan directed Monday and Wednesday afternoon bridge sessions for many years until very recently. Indeed Bryan played at the club only the previous Wednesday and, while not directing that afternoon, did a large part of the scoring for the event.  Bryan was recently awarded life membership of the club in appreciation of his many year's dedicated service.

Bryan's funeral will be held at St Mary's RC Church, Balance Street, Uttoxeter ST14 8JB on Friday 8th November at 10:30 am.  A car park is located near the doctor's surgery in Balance Street.

Our thoughts are with Bryan's family at this sad time.

Sad News

George Gould

The club has heard that the very popular Wednesday afternoon bridge player, George Gould, died on Saturday 29th December 2012. George had been ill for some time yet still managed to attend the club until late November.

Chris Rowley

Chris died very suddenly on Monday 7th January 2013. Chris, a regular Wednesday afternoon player, had been on good form at the club only the previous Wednesday.

Our thoughts are with their families at this sad time.

Tony Aspras

As members will be aware Tony has not been in good health for some time and the club was very sad to hear that Tony passed away in the early hours of September 24th 2012. Despite his illness Tony always had a smile and a joke at the bridge table. Not so long ago Wednesday players gave him a "welcome back" party after a previous bout of illness, he was on great form on that occasion. Last season Tony played regularly on a Thursday evening, including in the Shelley, and was often at the American Suppers. Tony will be very much missed at Stafford Bridge Club.

Tony's funeral will be on Tuesday 9th October at Colwich Church at 12.45 pm. David suggests that, due to limited parking space at the church, club members might like to meet at the club about 12 and group together in full cars to travel to the church.

Condolences
Condolences

PATSY PALM

Funeral: Rev. Preb. Geoff Staton conducted an uplifting service for Patsy, with over 50 family and friends present. This was followed by a warm and friendly "wake" in the bridge club with over 35 of us enjoying an excellent spread of food. We gave Patsy a really good send off. God bless.

2010

Dr Guy de Visme
Dr Guy de Visme

It is with sadness that the club heard that one of the long standing Wednesday afternoon players, Dr Guy de Visme, has died.  Guy had suffered ill health for some time and not been able to attend the club since last summer.  Guy's funeral will be at 2 p.m. on Friday 30th March 2012 at the Crematorium.

Richard Barker

The club has heard that Richard Barker died suddenly on October 4th 2012. Richard was a regular player at the club on a Wednesday afternoon until just a few weeks ago.  Well into his nineties and still giving the youngsters a run for their money at the bridge table. 

Funeral: Friday 19th October 3.00pm at the Crematorium.

Sue Anslow
Sue Anslow

The club is sad to report the recent death of Sue Anslow. Sue has been poorly for some time and for a few years has not been very active on the bridge scene.

For many years Sue was a County Committee member including County Membership Secretary with responsibility for collecting County subs - rather an arduous task before Pay to Play arrived. Sue enjoyed success at the bridge table including winning the County Mixed Pairs.

Before her illness Sue played regularly at Stafford, Chasetown and Wolverhampton. She also arranged regular bridge lessons in Penkridge and a number of her former pupils are now playing duplicate bridge.

Sue will be very fondly remembered by all who knew her.

April 2012

Arthur Ballham
It is with great sadness that the club heard that one of bridge's most perfect gentlemen has very sadly died. Arthur has been suffering ill health for some time and passed away peacefully at home on Tuesday 6th September.
 
 
The funeral will be held at Bradwell Crematorium, ST5 8LE, Newcastle-u-Lyme on Thursday 15th September 2011 at 2.00pm.
 
 
Our condolences to Margaret at this sad time.
Colin Morrisey
Colin Morrisey

The club is saddened to hear of the death of Colin Morrisey.  Colin, a member of the Club for many years, passed away peacefully on April 3rd. For all those wishing to attend the funeral service it will be held at 1.30pm on Friday 15th April 2011 at Stafford Crematorium.

Albert Tipton, Premier Life Master Wolverhampton Bridge Club
Albert Tipton's Funeral
 
Albert's funeral will be held on Tuesday 12th April 2011 at 10:00 am at the Church of St Mary and St Chad in Brewood.
 
Afterwards at the Jubilee Hall, Brewood.
 
Family flowers only please - donations may be made to Brewood First Response and/or the Air Ambulance Service.
Thelma Bayles
Thelma Bayles

Thelma Bayles, a regular player at SBC for several years and a keen golfer, died on Tuesday morning. Thelma has been unwell for the past 2-3 years and was therefore unable to play bridge at Stafford since April last year. We offer our condolences to all her family and friends, she will be sadly missed by so many.

Thelma's funeral will take place at Stafford Crematorium on Tuesday 5th April 2011 at 1.00 p.m., then afterwards at Ingestre Golf Club.

Gwen Weaver

We were saddened last week to hear of the death of Gwen Weaver who was a regular player on Fridays. She had been ill for some months but continued to play until July.

The funeral will be at Gnosall Church on Tuesday 30th October at 12.00.
 

"Gwen and I met through the local baby-sitting circle; Gwen’s daughter, Melanie, and my daughter were born within a week of one other. We soon discovered that we both had a mutual interest in bridge. Gwen and her two sisters, Bette and Midge, were all keen players.

Before long we had a group of 6 couples from the village playing regularly. Each couple took it in turn to host the evening. Gwen’s husband, Bryan, ensured that the prizes were always memorable when they acted as hosts and Gwen laid on beautiful buffets – such happy evenings.

Later Gnosall Bridge Club was established where Gwen attended regularly. John Bache took the players there under his wing and gently encouraged a common bidding system from the disparate systems the group had joined with, transfer bids and sputnik doubles etc were introduced. John taught us much.

Eventually Gwen and a few others from Gnosall felt encouraged to try the Stafford club on a Friday evening; Doug and the regulars made all very much at home. Pearl took over the instruction, where John had left off, giving plenty of helpful advice and new ideas.

For the last six or seven years Gwen and I have played together fairly regularly on Friday evenings at the showground. Gwen was a wonderful bridge partner, she rarely rebuked her partners however much, as in my case, it may have been deserved.

Gwen was always on the go, a keen golfer, a caring grandmother to Dominic and Marcus, a member of Gnosall Choir and many other interests in addition to her bridge.

After the diagnosis of her illness in early March Gwen continued to play bridge, despite undergoing some intensive treatment. I shall miss her very much both as a true friend and as a bridge partner."

 

Ann Sleightholme

Joyce Holt

We have also heard that Joyce Hold has recently died. She played on Fridays until 2004.